06/06/2026
Obituary for Mary A. Brabson
Our Loss is Heavens Gain.
Mary Ann Brabson- November 30, 1945- December 25, 2025.
With her loving family gathered around, Mary Brabson peacefully transitioned from this earth to her Heavenly home on December 25, 2025 leaving behind her a legacy of faith, compassion, and gentleness.
Although as a young lady she worked at the A&W Rootbeer stand as a cook, Mary spent most of her years as a homemaker for her husband and sons. After they were grown she dedicated eight years of her life to serve school children in the Bloomington-Normal area school district cafeterias and the Girl Scouts summer camp. She returned many days telling stories of the “sweeties” that came through her line. She faithfully cooked and cared dearly for the children in the schools and camp. Her work was more than a career. She ministered and loved through every interaction.
As the devoted daughter of Russel and Ruth Chapman, Mary and her brothers were raised right next to the mighty Mississippi River which at times flooded into her childhood home! She loved her parents and her brothers dearly, being especially close to her brother Raymond Chapman who she looked after and “bossed around” like any devoted sister would! At the age of ten Mary was invited to attend Sunday School by a family friend. This decision to go transformed her life after she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. That first Sunday School class began a lifetime of church attendance and service. Her heart and wisdom for the Word never wavered and she built her life upon her faith.
On July 14, 1973 Mary became the beloved wife of Richard Brabson. Mary delighted in her family and raising her two son, Andrew and Jason. Mary was a loving wife and mother and in her home there was always a homemade treat waiting for anyone who stopped by. Christmas time, one of her favorite seasons, her kitchen and living room transformed into a full fledged bakery as trays of cookies and treats piled high and delighted her community as she gave them away freely. Blessing others brought tremendous joy to Mary and she became known for her generosity. One group of people in particular were the beneficiaries of her time, creativity, and loving energy and that was the Senior Adult group at the Church of the Nazarene. Mary took the senior citizens on field trips, filled their lives with companionship, provided meals, and kept a ministry thriving for the often forgotten Senior Saints.
Those who knew her will remember Mary as a wonderful friend, a faithful Christian servant, a tremendously hard worker who hardly ever could sit still, as even when she did her hands were busy crocheting. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she is remembered as a woman who doted lovingly on her family and passed down a foundation of faith and virtue as well as taught us all the importance of a deal found at a Saturday yard sale. Her life was guided by scripture, which she quoted and lived by unwaveringly. She did so, often light heartedly, and her laughter was infectious. We have collected memories of her laughter just as she collected dolls- by the hundreds!
Mary is survived by her loving family: her husband, Richard; her sons, Andrew and Jason; her brother Raymond, her daughter-in-law, Katie, and her grandchildren: Samuel, Finn, Mason, LingLing, Charlie, River and Mady. She was preceded in death by her parents Russel and Ruth Chapman and brothers Russel, Robert, and Richard.
Her life was a radiant example of love in action, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her. Services will be held at the Illinois Holiness Association Campground June 7 at 1:00 P.M.
